Downtown Charleston Travel Guide
Charleston
Visit Downtown Charleston
Popular places to visit
College of Charleston
Named by Travel + Leisure as “America's Most Beautiful College Campus” in 2017, this South Carolina institution is engaging for visitors and beloved by students.
Medical University of South Carolina
Take a campus tour or just explore the area of Medical University of South Carolina during your travels in Charleston. Stroll along the area's beautiful beaches or simply savour its top-notch restaurants.
South Carolina Aquarium
See an array of aquatic creatures, including an albino alligator, in underwater habitats ranging from salt marshes to coastal plains.
Charleston City Market
Purchase food, jewelry and handicrafts in the market and learn about local tradition, the Civil War and slavery at its museum.
Waterfront Park
Stroll the city’s waterfront esplanades at sunset, when the afternoon sun begins to dip and the harbor is lit with soft colors.
Port of Charleston
Explore the waterfront in Charleston with a trip to Port of Charleston. Amble around the area's beautiful beaches or seek out the local tours.
Things to do
Fort Sumter Admission and Self-Guided Tour with Roundtrip Ferry
Old Town Trolley Tour of Charleston
Historic Charleston Guided Sightseeing Walking Tour
Sightseeing Bus Tour of Charleston with Adventure Sightseeing
Charleston: Haunted Carriage Evening Tour
Boone Hall Plantation All-Access Admission Ticket
Top hotels in Downtown Charleston
Emeline
Walkable location, very helpful and kind staff, EXPENSIVE, - very slightly dated but clean rooms - noisy with concurrent events at this location - weddings, etc…
Reviewed on 12 Apr 2026
The Ryder Hotel
Overall, wonderful stay. The pool and Little Palm was great! The rooms were cute and the coffee shop was convenient. However, our room was a Premier King and, for the amount we paid, we had no view (completely covered by bush and gate, felt a bit jailish), the room was incredibly loud as it backed ...
Reviewed on 12 Apr 2026
The Francis Marion Hotel
Wonderful staff, beautiful property and within walking distance to great shopping and restaurants
Reviewed on 11 Apr 2026
Embassy Suites by Hilton Charleston Historic District
Menu fresh but paltry, staff at breakfast good. Cleaning staff ok. Reception area staff appallingly unhelpful except for Tristan
Reviewed on 11 Apr 2026
The Vendue
Yes
Reviewed on 12 Apr 2026
Mills House Charleston, Curio Collection by Hilton
We paid about 600.00 per night for the "city view" and our view was the back of the property, complete with 5 open dumpsters and a parking garage. Otherwise, the stay was really nice and the location is great.
Reviewed on 7 Apr 2026
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Other neighbourhoods around Downtown Charleston
King Street
If you're spending some time in King Street, Marion Square and Charleston Music Hall are top sights worth seeing.
Radcliffeborough
While Radcliffeborough may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Music Farm and Charleston Music Hall.
Harleston Village
While visiting Harleston Village, you might make a stop by sights like Marion Square and The Riviera Theater.
Cannonborough Elliotborough
If you're spending some time in Cannonborough Elliotborough, Upper King Design District and Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum are top sights worth seeing.
Charleston Historic District
Gourmet restaurants interesting history and top sights from Charleston City Market to Shops at Charleston Place – discover Charleston Historic District, a destination also famous for its shopping.
Ansonborough
If you're spending some time in Ansonborough, South Carolina Aquarium and International African American Museum are top sights worth seeing.
